South Carolina Dismisses QB Stephen Garcia from Team

Stephen Garcia, South Carolina’s troubled on-again/off-again quarterback, has been dismissed from the team following his latest violation of team rules.

The fifth-year senior started 34 games for the Gamecocks, including four this year. However, he was benched for last week’s game in favor of sophomore Connor Shaw.

Garcia had been suspended five different times — including twice last spring — during his time at South Carolina for various substance abuse and behavioral issues.

He was reinstated by coach Steve Spurrier this summer, but only after Garcia agreed to meet several conditions, one of which was that he would not drink or use drugs. While South Carolina officials would not elaborate on the specific reason for Garcia’s dismissal, sources close to the program report he failed an October 4 substance test.

Garcia finishes his South Carolina career with 7,597 passing yards, a 57.7 percent completion percentage, 47 touchdowns and 41 interceptions.

Shaw, in his second start for the #15 Gamecocks, threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns as Garcia’s replacement in last week’s 54-3 romp over Kentucky. South Carolina plays at Mississippi State on Saturday.